Let your imagination soar as you build something amazing! During the second full weekend of each month, visit LEGOLAND® Florida for the Junior Master Model Builder Competition and character meet & greet with Max. Providing a fun and interactive LEGO® building experience, the Junior Master Model Builder Competition invites all park guests to create their own masterpiece that follows the designated LEGO theme for the month. Upcoming competition dates include:
June 9 & 10
July 14 & 15
August 11 & 12
September 8 & 9
October 13 & 14
November 10 & 11
December 8 & 9
If you and your family are up for the challenge, visit LEGOLAND’s Imagination Zone to receive LEGO bricks and a baseplate to get started on your own creation! Once you’re finished, you can enter your structure in one of three age categories: 9 and under, 10-15 years old and 16 years and up. All models from the weekend will be judged by a Master Model Builder and one winner from each age category will be chosen!
Winners receive a certificate, four single-day LEGOLAND Florida park tickets and an invitation to the Ultimate Build Off at the end of the year, where you can compete against winners from other Model Builder Competitions. The Junior Master Model Builder Competition is open to all park guests and is included in admission to LEGOLAND Florida. Click here for more information.
Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando is getting even wilder this weekend with the 4th Annual Waves of Glory Christian music festival and Battle of the Bands, Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20. Dance, move and sway to contemporary rock, hip-hop and praise Christian music as bands compete for cash and prizes. With admission to Waves of Glory included in Wet ‘n Wild admission, your family can enjoy both the water park’s thrilling tube rides, slides, wave pool surf lagoon and lazy river and the spiritual melodies of the Waves of Glory concerts.
Starting with opening prayers each day, enjoy two days of faith-filled fun and a jam-packed schedule of musical performances. Bands include 410 East, Hope for Heroes, Judah, The Broken, Alma Vertical, The Invocation, Lastwatch, Carisa Turner, Stu Sanders and more! Cheer and clap to cast your “vote” for your favorite group as talented singers and bands “battle” to impress judges and claim their spots as finalists – and ultimately as champion. Watch special performances by the 2011 Waves of Glory Champions, the R Anthony Band, and 2010 Waves of Glory Competitor, Prodigal Son. In addition, learn the hula from the Salem Lutheran Church’s Hawaiian Worship Team and how to use it in worship.
Admission to Waves of Glory is included with admission to Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando. Click here for event times and more information.
Calling all home and garden enthusiasts! The Central Florida Home and Garden Show, returning to Orlando May 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center, showcases home improvement products, exhibitors, how-to seminars, actual gardens and décor…all in one location. You’ll learn the best tips, trends and tricks from experts in remodeling, building, decorating, landscaping and much more. You might even be inspired to start your own do-it-yourself project. Here are some highlights:
Seminars: Be sure to visit the main stage that is filled each day with professional landscapers and home improvement gurus who enjoy sharing their expert knowledge with you. Don’t miss celebrity guest Kimberly Lacy from HGTV’s “Curb Appeal: The Block” who offers advice on how to enhance your home’s exterior.
Green Avenue: Wander around Green Avenue, a 6000-square-foot gardener’s paradise featuring abundant greenery and exquisite landscaping. Learn about gardening and meet with professional landscapers who will inspire you to create your own flourishing masterpieces at home.
Garden Marketplace: Browse this area for everything you’ll need to create your own backyard terrace. Purchase planters, pots, decorations, tools, hand-made gifts and more.
Exhibitors: No matter what home improvement task you’re attempting, the Central Florida Home and Garden Show has exhibitors and experts that can help! Interact with more than 100 vendors including appliance, construction, real estate, fitness, gardening and home entertainment professionals.
Pooch Parade: There’s even something for pets! Visit the pooch parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. for the latest in canine couture and shop the pet supply expo for pet products.
The Central Florida Home and Garden Show will be held at North Hall B of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students (ages 13-18) & seniors (60+) and free for children 12 and under. View the show’s official website for details, directions, parking and more information about this exciting upcoming event. Not all the details for the event have been released so be sure to check the website for updates.
Did you know there are snowmen and igloos in Florida?! If a North Pole-inspired adventure sounds like something you’d enjoy during your next Orlando vacation, check out Walt Disney World® Resort’s Winter Summerland miniature golf courses. You’ll be surprised and delighted as you putt through one winter and one summer-themed course with impressive obstacles like a smoky campfire, scattered hockey sticks and Santa’s boots descending down the chimney.
Legend has it that one Christmas Eve when Santa was heading back to the North Pole, he spotted a peculiar snowy location smack in the middle of Florida. He thought it would make the perfect site for his off-duty elves to take a vacation, so he built one area for elves who enjoy the sun and another for elves who prefer the arctic scene. Lucky for you, he included an 18-hole mini golf course in each setting!
Santa has worked closely with the Disney Imagineers to create a truly entertaining golf experience that incorporates your favorite Disney characters with North Pole-influenced scenery. Be on the lookout for fun details like flamingoes that lead Santa’s sleigh, characters made from “snow” and “sand,” and an actual spinning pole on the “North Hole” that takes your golf ball on a vertical ride. You’ll discover clever traps placed throughout the courses that add just enough of a challenge to make each hole exciting. At the “sand” castle in the summer course and the “snow” castle in the winter course, a drawbridge opens and closes to allow only so much time for your ball to pass before it ends up in the moat. You’ll also find a decorated Christmas tree surrounded by a moving train…with the hole right beside the tree trunk!
Both courses at Winter Summerland are open all week from 10 a.m. – 11p.m. Admission is $12 per 18-hole course for adults and $10 for kids ages 3-9. Visit Walt Disney World® Resort’s miniature golf website for more information. If you’d like to play both courses, receive a 50% discount on the second course with your same-day receipt. “Merry” putting!
Wade up-close with some wildlife in an all-new swimming adventure at Discovery Cove® Orlando. Opening this spring, Freshwater Oasis invites you and your family to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Asian otters and marmoset monkeys.
Wade, swim and float in water-filled trails with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below. The water in Freshwater Oasis is mostly waist-deep or shallower making it an activity for the whole family. As you explore the twists and turns of Freshwater Oasis, you’ll stumble upon lively marmosets and curious otters. Watch otters romp and play and swim figure-eights and experience their lively energy without ever leaving the water. Look and listen as vocal marmoset monkeys navigate tree tops above. Meet plenty of animal friends along the way as you relax in refreshing tropical waters and warm sunshine.
Freshwater Oasis is expected to open at Discovery Cove® Orlando spring 2012. Access to Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove®. Click here for more information and check back soon for updates!
Need some cool family fun this summer? Just add water! The brand new LEGOLAND® Water Park, opening May 26 at LEGOLAND® Florida, will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, water slides and more. Intended for all ages, “build” some family memories during your Orlando vacation and be among the first to make a splash at this attraction!
The new Florida water park will be the first LEGOLAND water park to feature a wave pool in addition to other family-friendly rides. In the LEGO® wave pool, play and cool off in gently rolling waves perfect for “splashers” of all ages. At the Joker Soaker, have a laugh as a 300-gallon bucket suddenly pours water on your family and friends in an interactive playground setting. Let your imagination float away on the Build-A-Raft lazy river and construct your own LEGO raft for the 1,000-foot river. While older guests enjoy thrills on the Twin Chasers tube and Splash Out water slides, young visitors can have their own adventure at the DUPLO® Splash Safari water play area designed for toddlers with friendly DUPLO creatures.
Admission to the LEGOLAND Water Park requires purchase of a general admission ticket to LEGOLAND Florida plus an additional $12 per person, $3 for children under 3. Click here for more information and theme park hours.
Have you heard? Universal’s innovative team has been dreaming up a whole new type of interactive parade and a dazzling nighttime performance that will leave you feeling captivated and awe-stricken. With the grand opening of “Universal’s Superstar Parade” and “Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories” at Universal Orlando® Resort on May 8, you will have the chance to experience these exciting shows and more!
The “Superstar Parade” is not simply a parade but a moving show. State-of-the-art technology combined with spirited, interactive performances make this a must-see family event where kids of all ages can dance with E.B. from “Hop,” get silly with minions from “Despicable Me” and sing along with Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego. (Hint: if you crave additional character action, selected floats will be converted into character “meet and greet” areas throughout the day.)
As the evening approaches, get ready for a magnificent nighttime show where you can relive some of the most inspiring and emotional moments in movie history. In honor of Universal Pictures’ centennial celebration, the “Cinematic Spectacular” projects fan-favorite highlights from almost 200 beloved films onto water screens at the Universal Studios Lagoon. Narrated by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, this breathtaking show will be accompanied by towering fountains, colorful pyrotechnics and a powerful musical score to culminate your fun-filled day at Universal Orlando® Resort.
You will have plenty of opportunities to experience these shows, as they run year round except during annual and special events. Visit Universal Orlando® Resort’s new-in-2012 website to learn more about these brand new additions as well as the “Despicable Me” adventure opening this summer.
The O.W.C.A. (Organization Without a Cool Acronym) has recruited you and your family this summer for a super-secret mission at Walt Disney World® Resort, if you choose to accept it. At Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, join your favorite duck-billed mammal and secret agent, Perry the Platypus, for an interactive adventure around the “world” at Epcot®.
Usually, foiling Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s latest evil plan is routine for Agent P — but this time he needs your help stopping one of the evil scientist’s most daring plots yet! At the start of the mission, you’ll receive a F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) device to help you search Epcot® for clues and evil “Inators.” Traveling to Mexico, France and the other World Showcase pavilions, will you have what it takes to become a secret agent sidekick and rid the world of evil?
Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is planned to open at Epcot® this summer and will be included with Theme Park admission. It will replace Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. Check the Disney Parks Blog for updates and more information.
Indulge in a heapin’ helpin’ of America’s favorite dessert whether it’s apple, chocolate, cherry, cream, pecan or lemon meringue à la mode at the 11th Annual Great American Pie Festival. The free festival, taking place Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at Lakeside Park in Celebration, Fla., brings together more than 32,000 pie lovers, bakers and tasters of all ages to pay homage to this flaky treat we all love.
Explore the festival for cookbooks and the latest in kitchen and chef gear. Discover clever techniques to decorate and make the most delicious pies from expert chefs. Have you ever wanted to have an entire meal of pies? At the Never Ending Pie Buffet, you can choose from thousands of pies and sample all-you-care-to-eat along with ice cream, toppings and more. And of course, no pie festival would be complete without kids’ and adults’ pie eating contests. Children will also enjoy an area just for them with pie decorating, “pie-scaping,” pie tin art and more.
Admission to the Great American Pie Festival, cooking demonstrations and entertainment are free. A separate ticket is required for the Never Ending Pie Buffet. Click here for more information and festival hours.
With multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchens, spacious floor plans, concierge and guest services along with amenities including pools and spas, recreation rooms and more, booking a vacation home provides unmatched value if you want to get the most out of your vacation dollar. However, it can be difficult choosing the right vacation home with the multitude of options available. If you’re considering a vacation home rental for your family’s next vacation getaway, consider the following tips when planning your trip.
Verify that the vacation rental services and facilities are reliable. Look for third-party endorsements on vacation rental websites and membership in industry associations including AAA, Better Business Bureau, Vacation Rental Managers Association, local conventions and visitors bureaus or other tourism and vacation rental management groups. It is also helpful to read guest reviews, comments and testimonials and listings on guest review websites.
Complete and check rental agreement. Review the terms and conditions of the rental agreement carefully. If you have any questions, please be sure to inquire about specific items prior to reserving a home.
Book reservations safely and securely. Only make reservations over a secure website or phone system that has the ability to accept major credit cards. You should expect to make a security or a reservation deposit.
Consider and inquire about travel insurance. Many professional management companies offer travel insurance to provide coverage should any unexpected or last minute emergencies cause a change to your travel plans.
Check for guest service contact. The vacation rental company should provide an emergency contact number that you can call at any time for maintenance issues, questions and guest services.
Choose a vacation home managed by a professional management company. Vacation rentals managed by a professional management company ensure quality and consistency and present a variety of hospitality services including professional cleaning and concierge services. Look for an “About Us” section on the vacation rental website for an established company history.
ALL STAR Vacation Homes offers a selection of more than 250 homes, town homes and condos within 6 miles of Disney that feature private pools and spas, game rooms, full kitchens, home theaters, multiple master bedrooms and themed kid’s rooms. Many homes, town homes and condos with ALL STAR Vacation Homes are located in resort communities with large resort pools, spas, movie theaters, restaurants, business and fitness centers and more. In addition, ALL STAR strives to exceed the expectations of guests by providing the highest level of hospitality services.
ALL STAR Vacation Homes is a member/industry partner of the Better Business Bureau, Vacation Rental Managers Association, Visit Kissimmee, Visit Orlando and Visit Florida. Click here for a complete list of affiliates.
Have you been following SeaWorld® Orlando’s webisodes? If so, you know that the brand new TurtleTrek attraction is finally opening this Friday, April 27! If you haven’t watched the popular webisodes, now is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of TurtleTrek before it opens later this week.
TurtleTrek, the world’s first 3D 360-degree domed theater experience, takes you on the incredible journey of the sea turtle, from hatching on a beach to adulthood when a sea turtle must return to lay its eggs. Understand life from a turtle’s point-of-view and see the amazing challenges and hardships turtles and other sea creatures face to survive.
TurtleTrek gives you opportunities to view actual endangered and threatened species of turtles and manatees while you learn about conservation and how to help protect marine wildlife. In the naturalistic saltwater habitat area, see a variety of adult and juvenile sea turtles including green, loggerhead, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. In the freshwater habitat area, view gentle Florida manatees and discover how SeaWorld® Orlando rescues and cares for these heavy herbivores.
TurtleTrek, opens April 27, and is included in admission to SeaWorld® Orlando. Click here for more information.
Are you looking for an art event that truly has something for everyone? The 11th Annual Celebration Art Festival, coming to Celebration, Fla. on April 21-22, showcases a variety of artistic works for sale that have been created by 100 talented artists from 30 different states. Whether you prefer dramatic sculptures and expressive paintings or emotional photography and elegant jewelry, you will find something that appeals to your taste.
A favorite of locals, this festival invites visitors to stroll through Celebration’s Town Center and experience the zesty aromas of area restaurants and the friendly sights of quaint boutiques while the streets of Downtown Celebration transform into vivid art displays. The artists featured in the festival were selected by an independent panel of judges based on the quality, creativity and diversity of their original artwork. The featured artists, hand chosen from hundreds of applicants, are among some of the finest in the country, encouraging festival-goers to become fully immersed in the artistic atmosphere. As an added treat, all artists will be present to answer questions and discuss what inspired them to design their beautiful masterpieces.
The Celebration Art Festival will be open from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. on April 21-22. From affordable to the opulent, artwork is priced to accommodate any budget, ranging from roughly $25 to $30,000. Downtown Celebration is located close to Disney and other major attractions.
Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Sith warriors, droids and fighters for the Rebellion and the Empire are invading Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. At “Star Wars” Weekends, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 18 to June 10, make some out-of-this-world memories with your family as you explore the vast universe of “Star Wars” during your Orlando vacation. This annual event celebrates the legendary “Star Wars” saga and the animated television series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” with celebrity meet-and-greets and autograph sessions, special shows, parades, presentations and more!
During “Star Wars” Weekends explore Disney’s Hollywood Studios® with characters and celebrities from the “Star Wars” films. Take pictures with your favorite characters or get an autograph from a “Star Wars” star. Scheduled Guests Include:
May 18-20
Ray Park – Darth Maul, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Jerome Blake – Rune Haako/Mas Amedda, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Dee Bradley Baker – voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
May 25-27
Andy Secombe – Watto, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Ray Park – Darth Maul, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Tom Kane – voice of Yoda, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
June 1-3
Jake Lloyd – Anakin Skywalker, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Silas Carson – Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
June 8-10
Michonne Bourriague – Aurra Sing, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Jeremy Bulloch – Boba Fett, “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi”
Daniel Logan – Boba Fett, “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”
Nika Futterman – voice of Asajj Ventress, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Blast through the universe to Hoth, Tatooine and beyond on a 3D motion simulation adventure inside a Starspeeder 1000 on the Star Tours ride. Party “cantina-style” at the Hyperspace Hoopla and be entertained with music, comedy and dancing with Ewoks, Wookiees, Jawas and other creatures. At the Jedi Training Academy, children under 12 can see if they have the “force” and learn lightsaber skills to defeat Darth Vader.
Admission to “Star Wars” Weekends, May 18-June 10, is included in Theme Park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. “Star Wars” Weekends takes place during normal Theme Park hours. Meet-and-greet sessions and autograph opportunities are extremely limited, so arrive early! Autographs are issued on a first-come, first served basis; limit one autograph per guest. Click here for more information.
No need to go to Broadway because “The Lion King” is coming to Orlando. Now, that’s a wonderful phrase! From April 17 until May 13, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Downtown Orlando hosts Disney’s “The Lion King,” a Tony Award-winning musical enjoyed by more than 60 million people around the world that tells the heartfelt story of how a young lion cub must face the reality of becoming king.
Listen to the Oscar-winning songs originally made famous by Elton John and Tim Rice as you marvel at the intricately designed costumes and one-of-a-kind choreography that incorporates animal movements with tribal dance. Zebras will trot, hyenas will prowl and giraffes will prance, all right beside your favorite characters like Simba and Pumbaa in a colorful African landscape that remarkably comes to life on stage. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
If you are coming to Orlando after the show leaves town, you can still see some “big-as-Broadway” Lion King entertainment year-round at the Festival of the Lion King. This 30-minute show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park combines the famous Lion King tale with puppetry, acrobatics, singing and dancing…and you’re encouraged to be part of the action.
A festival devoted to the dark? That’s right! Just before sundown on Saturday, April 14, take a short drive to Harmony, Fla., less than a half hour from Kissimmee, where the 9th Annual Dark Sky Festival celebrates the marvels of the night sky while teaching the importance of protecting its darkness. You’ll become fascinated when you view stars and constellations while learning about how light pollution can affect not only astronomy research but also wildlife and our environment.
This nighttime festival offers activities to delight the celestial curiosity of your entire family. Peer through impressive telescopes as you stargaze on “telescope hill” and interact with local astronomers and scientists from NASA. Challenge your kids to a game of “glow golf” for some unique nighttime fun! Other highlights include a cosmic kids zone, science exhibits, a mobile planetarium and live music.
The Dark Sky Festival is a free public event on Saturday from 6 – 11 p.m. in Harmony, Fla., located less than 30 minutes from Disney. You’ll have your whole family seeing stars at this “must see” event – last year’s festival welcomed an estimated 5,000 attendees! View the festival website for directions and more information.
Get revved up for this four-day festival held in downtown Celebration and at the Daytona International Speedway, April 12-15. The 9th Annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival showcases more than 250 exotic cars and racecars, including some from your favorite movies and TV shows, along with live music, food and more for the entire family! All of the net proceeds from the festival benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics Florida.
The festival begins, April 12 and 13, with two exhilarating track days and Ferrari races at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway located approximately 70 miles from Kissimmee in Daytona Beach. More than 100 exotic cars and racecars will get your heart pumping as they circle the track exhibiting handling, maneuverability and speed. Additionally, each afternoon, owner-drivers of Ferrari Challenge racecars will keep you on the edge of your seat as they race to the finish line in the FCRA vintage Ferrari Challenge Race for individual and team trophies. Friday night, return to Celebration to refuel during the Prime Time Steak Out Lakeside barbecue and concert with Prime Time, New York’s ultimate party rock band.
Satisfy your need for speed on Saturday, April 14 at the Concours of Exotic Cars with up-close looks at more than 250 cars and racecars, including Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, lining the streets of downtown Celebration. See the “Back to the Future” DeLorean, “Herbie the Love Bug” Volkswagen Beetle, the Lamborghini and Mutt Cutts van from “Dumb & Dumber,” “Star Wars” Land Speeder and more! Also, get a glimpse of celebrities from “Back to the Future” and other movies and TV shows who will be in attendance.
On Sunday, April 15, the festival concludes at 10 a.m. with the Exotic Car Road Rally. Watch the RPMs rise as cars compete in a police escorted road rally for bragging rights and trophies that will be awarded at a special luncheon following the event. Visit celebrationexoticcars.com for more information and ticket prices for each Celebration Exotic Car Festival event. Admission to the Concours of Exotic Cars is free for spectators.
Soak up the Florida sunshine during a Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park. A popular tourist activity for more than 50 years, the Scenic Boat Tour guides you on a one hour narrated cruise through the lakes and canals of historic Winter Park.
The city of Winter Park was established in the late 19th century and was once a popular winter getaway and resort community for wealthy northerners. Today, it is famous for its stately oak trees, brick-lined streets, abundant parks, world-class museums and upscale homes. With an entertaining tour guide at the helm, learn about the area and take in breathtaking views of landmarks including Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Garden and Isle of Sicily along with tropical water birds, plants, flowers and magnificent mansions.
Winter Park is located less than 40 minutes from Kissimmee. After the boat tour, you and your family can share a meal at one of Winter Park’s fine restaurants or take a stroll down Park Avenue. Tickets for the Scenic Boat Tour are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 2-11. Children under 2 ride free. Visit scenicboattours.com for more information.
Have you ever seen gymnastics on TV and wondered what a live competition would be like? Coming soon to Walt Disney World® Resort’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships, April 16-18, and the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Age Group Competition, April 20-22, showcase athletes from all over the globe as they compete for top ranks in categories such as balance, dynamic and combined.
You will be amazed at the magnificent abilities of these acrobatic gymnasts to combine the power and agility of acrobatics with the elegance of dance. More than 600 gymnasts have traveled across the world from countries like Russia, China and Brazil to participate in routines set to music that consist of partner skills, dance and tumbling, right in front of your eyes.
Competitions take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’s HP Field House at Walt Disney World® Resort, and ticket prices range from $15.50 to $50 per person. View the USA Gymnastics website for complete details.
Looking to warm up after the winter months? This spring’s hot and spicy Viva La Música festival will leave you feeling muy caliente. Every Saturday, April 14-May 5, SeaWorld® Orlando hosts Viva La Música, a food and music festival that showcases popular Latin artists, exquisite ethnic cuisine and more.
The festival kicks off at noon with lunch. And amigos, do we mean lunch! SeaWorld’s executive chef, Héctor Colón, has created some outstanding traditional delights from South America, Mexico and the Caribbean presented along with a variety of beverages that complement each dish. On the menu are arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), lechón (roasted pork), sweet guava pastries and much more. For those of you with a curious palate, try something new like alcapurrias (Puerto Rican meat fritters) or mofongo con carne frita (plantain balls with fried pork and stock).
After lunch, don’t miss the Latin concert series starting at 3 p.m. This year’s event features internationally renowned artists who perform merengue, salsa and Spanish pop. Here is a list of entertainers:
• April 14: Elvis Crespo
• April 21: Grupo Niche
• April 28: RKM & Ken-Y
• May 5: Gilberto Santa Rosa
SeaWorld’s Viva La Música festival is included with admission, and there is a nominal fee for food. Concert seating is available on a first come, first served basis. View additional details at Viva La Música’s official website.
During the Citrus Classic 5K, race to the LEGO® Factory in FUN TOWN, past the amazing LEGO landmark replicas at MINILAND USA, to the finish line near LEGO CITY. After the race, stick around for a “bricktastic” 5K Awards presentation. Awards will be given to the fastest overall male and female, male and female masters and the top three males and females in each age group.
The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K starts at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. Online registration closes Wednesday, April 11. LEGOLAND Florida is located less than one hour from Kissimmee in Winter Haven. Click here for registration information, entry fees and event details. Each race participant receives a T-shirt, race number and a link to purchase discounted tickets to LEGOLAND Florida. Please note registration does not include free park admission.
Let your imagination soar as you build something amazing! During the second full weekend of each month, visit LEGOLAND® Florida for the Junior Master Model Builder Competition and character meet & greet with Max. Providing a fun and interactive LEGO® building experience, the Junior Master Model Builder Competition invites all park guests to create their own masterpiece that follows the designated LEGO theme for the month. Upcoming competition dates include: 
Did you know there are snowmen and igloos in Florida?! If a North Pole-inspired adventure sounds like something you’d enjoy during your next 
Have you heard? Universal’s innovative team has been dreaming up a whole new type of interactive parade and a dazzling nighttime performance that will leave you feeling captivated and awe-stricken. With the grand opening of “Universal’s Superstar Parade” and “Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories” at 
Are you looking for an art event that truly has something for everyone? The 
A festival devoted to the dark? That’s right! Just before sundown on Saturday, April 14, take a short drive to Harmony, Fla., less than a half hour from Kissimmee, where the 9th Annual 
Get revved up for this four-day festival held in downtown Celebration and at the Daytona International Speedway, April 12-15. The 
Have you ever seen gymnastics on TV and wondered what a 
Looking to warm up after the winter months? This spring’s hot and spicy 
Loading ...
